N2TM 0 Posted December 6, 2010 I was fortunate enough to be invited to join Captcham on a voyage aboard a 75' motor yacht to Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island. He is an excellent host and superb Captain. The company and accommodations were over the top. We arrived and moored in the harbor on Friday around lunch time. Captcham lowered the tender and we jumped in it and headed for the dock and walked around town, then up the canyons past the golf course to walk some of the track. We discovered a difficult track had been carved out by a dozer and two loaders complete with plenty of jumps, triples, burms and narrow high speed sections that went around and across the face of the surrounding mountains with connecting up and down hill sections to the finish line. It was impossible to walk the entire track as it was very long and not all accessible by foot. The place still had its grass roots appeal as it did 50 years ago. Did I mention zero gate admission? We met up with strega, Leah and DSFox and walked around the pits area where there were some 800 plus motorcycles that had been barged over in container trucks. A great section to visit was the vintage entry area. Some classic brand names were CZ, Maico, Hodaka, BSA, Bultaco, Husqvarna, KTM, Harley and more. We reminisced on the old times and previous races held in Catalina in the 50's with some of the riders that had ridden there while in their teens. One Harley rider had his 1928, the same bike he rode when he was 17 years old and was answering question from the dozens of fans while he continued to prep it for Saturdays Vintage race. You ask how old was he? 74 years young. He jokingly told us this bike outlasted 3 previous wives. He still had plenty of humor and wit. As the afternoon turned to a cool evening we all converged and enjoyed a superb dinner together. Then we took the tender back to our floating hotel where we retired for the night. Up with the sun early Saturday morning, then it was back to the mainland for a nice breakfast and watch the parade of motorcycles through the downtown area. The vintage class was the 1st race of the day. The excitement in the air made my day as we watched with glee the old bikes on the track. These riders deserve a gold medal for racing their rigid steeds. There were some grandstands for the viewing public. We preferred to hike to our best vantage points, that being near hill climbs or 15 feet from the triples inside the perimeter or the track. Yes, I did mention grass roots, public friendly atmosphere with no turn styles or ticket takers to make you feel unwelcome. Nope, no cotton candy vendors or drinks spilt down your back. Plain and simple this race filled 2 day event had what the west coast hasn't seen in half a century. Through out the next 2 days we watched our more modern machines compete for their checkered flags. From the starting gate there were some of the best pro racers I have seen. The last race of day 2, was an astonishing 2 hours long. Not for the faint at heart but for those with the love of racing and riding in the glory of a past history. To be a fan of this 2 day racing extravaganza was certainly a magical adventure I will not soon forget. Thanks Captcham! I give it a 10! It is my hope that the City of Avalon saw the good will that this event brought to their door or shall I say shore. Families and people of all ages were in attendance. Who knows, maybe some of the teens that raced will come back in 2060 on the same machine and tell their grandkids of the good ole days of the Catilina Grand Prix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motorcyclenut 0 Posted December 6, 2010 Thanks for the pics! More, more!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirt dame 559 Posted December 6, 2010 Looks wonderful! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crawdaddy 96 Posted December 6, 2010 Steve travels in style Looks like a blast of a weekend I hung Christmas lights instead Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ADV Bum 205 Posted December 6, 2010 That looked like an awesome adventure. Super envious! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted December 6, 2010 Todd and Steve, Like Chris says, I am Jealous. What a fabulous experience. Congrats on making it happen. Love those old bikes! Didn't do lights, but did do - Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie, Chico's plus a birthday party for a 2yr old. Not exactly like walking through the Antique Bike Pits, but hey. Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyAirtime 2 Posted December 6, 2010 ... awesome nostalgia. Love the bikes, and the history! Thanks for the pics!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted December 6, 2010 This event was incredible. I was really surprised not to see more of you there!! We had such an awesome time. The vintage bikes were amazing, and walking by the pits I've never seen that many bikes in 1 place before, ever. 650+ bikes is an impressive sight to see. Todd nailed the weekend and it was great to hang out with you guys this weekend. The trip over to the boat was pretty darn cool. That kinda boating is a whole other world. The engine room was unbelievable, dual 2000hp twin-turbo diesels...just amazing. I was ready to go back as we were leaving, I will definitely be there next year if they run it again, which I hope they do. I'd like to rent a house next year and see about volunteering to help in some way. I think that would be a lot of fun. Couple of my pics (unedited): Queen Mary Avalan Harbor Vintage BMW Travis Pastrana Kendal Norman Travis Pastrana Travis Pastrana Travis Pastrana Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tweety999 0 Posted December 6, 2010 Wow! Looks like alot of fun! The bikes look awesome! More more more! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsfox 0 Posted December 6, 2010 What an incredible Weekend !....and Catalina is a Great Place ! So Glad to experience this Making of History Race and Weekend...... I did go Hike the ENTIRE track friday morning before anyone could tell me I couldn't. ...Lots of pics later when time to download.... SUMMARY: Loved every minute.....The Mood and Energy of this Event & Place were Amazing .....must have walked a hundred miles over 4 days..constantly on the go except a few hours / night.......Great friends, Old and New.....Great Food.....Avalon is a fun town....crazy exciting racing...think I'm hooked... PS: Anyone want to trade an 06 LTZ400 for a decent Track worthy Bike?....none of mine are quite set up for that... ( I need more Track time so I can ride this Race next year ! ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted December 6, 2010 Some videos. http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Catalina-Grand-Prix-Short-Documentary,1965/bturman,20779 2nd video, at 3:40. Ouch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoss314 0 Posted December 7, 2010 Some videos. http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Catalina-Grand-Prix-Short-Documentary,1965/bturman,20779 2nd video, at 3:40. Ouch. I saw it!! it was a pterodactyl! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted December 7, 2010 I saw it!! it was a pterodactyl! Clearly that's what it was Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenosan 2 Posted December 7, 2010 Enjoyed the writeup and the photos Todd. Wish I could have made it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DustyRock 0 Posted December 7, 2010 Some videos. http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Catalina-Grand-Prix-Short-Documentary,1965/bturman,20779 2nd video, at 3:40. Ouch. Roger: Fantastic. I knew about it for a month or so but didnt give it much credence. What a blast it must have been. Thanks for the write-up & pics. The vid @ 3:40 those weeds could double for arresting nets on a carrier, that guy came to a halt pronto. Yikes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsfox 0 Posted December 7, 2010 FRIDAY Views of the course and Beautiful Catalina : I got up early on Friday, visited the pits before 8....Awesome to see almost 700 motorcycles of every size and shape spanning 1920's to 2011's..... then I headed to the course..didn't know where I was going but followed the flags....came across a couple of guys on the bench in the spectator area near the motocross section......one was racing saturday....I said "you think they'll kick me out if I hike the course?"...."don't know, but we were thinking of doing the same".. so I answered ..."Lets go" ...so we 3 strangers hiked the 6 miles (the claimed length) and became friends...deb, terry and keevan......it was awesome to see it that way....4 main sections: though nothing really intimidating in itself, I pictured tyring to go 30 or 40 mph consistantly through the tight curves, and sharp corners on slippery gravel with cliff like hills on the side..bikes in front and behind, or passing..and it would get real dicey..... these guys are GOOD ! 1. Motocross Track (where most spectators hung out, pics later)....2. Lower woods road, freshly cut, very soft, about 4 feet wide in most spots, curves, hills, rocks... (not much passing in that section) 3. short Paved Road section....again about 4 foot railed off.....4. Upper Fire road (treacherous steep cliffs of several hundred feet on one side filled with cactus in spots, plenty of little rocks and slick gravel too). THE PITS IN THE MORNING PEACE STARTING AREA... LOWER WOODS ROAD UPPER FIRE ROAD, VIEWS OF AND VIEWS FROM.... MORE TO COME.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsfox 0 Posted December 7, 2010 FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Did some sight seeing with strega and leah (we're going to get her riding by the way!)..It was awesome to hang out with them ...Avalon is beautiful, and there was an Electricity everywhere..with the buzz of Racers and Race Fans....(and excited business people enjoying all the extra clients in a normally slow season)..Returned to the Pits with todd and steve and en PITS GOT BUSY FRIDAY EVENING..everyone tinkering and gassing up.. Heres some pics of awesome bikes...my favorite story was the 1928 Harley returning with it's owner (the pair competed at catalina in 1958 when the owner was 17..he rode again at 74..) AVALON.... ] happened to see the trophies arrive... DINNER WITH THE CREW FRIDAY NIGHT..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsfox 0 Posted December 7, 2010 SATURDAY AND SUNDAY RACE DAYS...All fun and exciting from the Vintage race to the Pro's on sunday.... Great to see the guys show up in their Vintage gear too...classic! The Start! My hiking friend Keevan..#301..took 3rd in the 50's Expert Class...pretty cool... Racing continues..... kurt caselli on a KTM was leading by almost a mile....most of the race, I was cheering for him, but his bike broke down.... and he was out of it... as roger shared, pastrana gave the crowd a show on the big jumps and did awesome for a tv star....I bet he does more filming than riding these days... I think this is kendall norman after taking lead, and the 2nd place rider.. this is the Hill where the motocross track exits and heads down to the woods section.....On about Lap 2, caselli passed norman on this hill to take the lead early in the race....he held the lead til his bike broke down.....crazy passing spot....amazing riders.... I'll be back to the Catalina Grand Prix if they Continue to Host them...as a spectator, or maybe even to ride... It was an Amazing Time.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted December 7, 2010 Representin SDAR, woot! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkug 146 Posted December 8, 2010 I was also checking out Cycle News. A very well organized and executed event. Nice to see a race go off that way. I need to go and buy some sea sickness pills for next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyro 1 Posted December 8, 2010 WOw looks like a great time! Sorry I missed it. Next year for sure if they do it again. Loved all the photos especially of those classic bikes. Here's my favorite, all though there were several: Does anyone know what year/model this bike is? Is this an Evil Kenevil special? Man I love it. Why did Harley stop making bikes like this? Gotta love those exhaust pipes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted December 8, 2010 1 lap of the race: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenosan 2 Posted December 8, 2010 Nice ride. How long was the course? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted December 8, 2010 Nice ride. How long was the course? I was told it was 5.4 for all classes but pro, which was 7 miles. Don you would have REALLY enjoyed the vintage stuff, a lot of it reminded me of your style of gear, bikes, etc. It was AWESOME. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
